Ch.4415. Footsteps of the Ancient Sages.

[Don’t chase too closely. Focus only on following the footsteps.]

Such was Her Imperial Highness’s solemn command.

And Lord Rueld readily approved this mission.

Patina entered the quiet forest village, leading her horse.

The Golden Dragon Knights, where the hero Rueld served as captain.

Known as the youngest female ever admitted to the order, she was another legend within the Empire.

However, at present, she felt more like a sister who had lost her younger brother, desperately clinging to an emptiness inside her heart rather than taking pride in her accomplishments.

That’s why when this mission was proposed.

She didn’t hesitate for a moment.

In her heart, she wanted to chase after him immediately, regardless of her duties as a knight.

But it was only on the fourth day after his departure that Patina could finally follow his footsteps.

As if prearranged, she was able to continue tracking him smoothly with the help of several agents.

And so.

Through the village elder, she learned about the commotion that had occurred in this tiny village of barely a dozen households.

An incident that could have escalated into a major accident or disaster.

“I never expected the central authorities to care about such a remote place.”

Patina responded calmly to the old man’s gratitude.

“How could we not? Isn’t this place practically next door to the capital? If we only paid attention to borders and remote villages while neglecting citizens who are practically our neighbors, that would be dereliction of duty.”

“…Thank you so much, Knight. Your words alone are a great comfort. To think you would come all the way to a place without even a church…”

It was nice to be misunderstood in a positive way.

Though the lord of the domain was supposedly present, there were always places beyond reach.

Even if not everything could be attended to, there was no need to ignore what was within sight.

“It truly was remarkable.”

The black-haired boy had protected the village youth from the onslaught of magical beasts and creatures.

And then defeated them all.

He began explaining everything he had witnessed.

As he did, the cracks in Patina’s expression only deepened.

‘Why did you hide your abilities all this time?’

Patina couldn’t understand it at all.

Born of Rueld and Ermina’s bloodline, he couldn’t possibly be so naive.

She knew better than anyone how hard he had worked.

The expectations around him had been too great, and he had suffered from an untimely stigma in the past.

She knew well how much he had struggled because of those preconceptions.

Even so.

…She had firmly believed that he would overcome this without difficulty.

That was her unwavering conviction.

Petty stigmas could be redeemed later through ability.

If he had truly committed an unforgivable crime.

She certainly wouldn’t have been able to accept him so easily.

But it wasn’t like that, was it?

‘He should have overcome it.’

Patina herself had been subjected to countless stigmas, false accusations, and all manner of absurd slander.

But all of that could be overcome with skill and achievements.

Because she had been able to do it, she believed Cariel could too.

She had believed that.

Why…

Why did it turn out like this?

‘I should have paid more attention to him.’

The contents of the letter that Rueld had shown her for this mission had been shocking enough to make her soul leave her body.

How much… how much Cariel had suffered alone.

That fact pierced her heart deeply, taking clear and chilling form.

“He will surely become someone great! Even though he said he’s not yet a formal knight. At that age, with such skills, he must be no ordinary person!”

“……”

By now, the village elder was recounting Cariel’s achievements and his excellent character in detail, as if telling a hero’s tale from a childhood fairy tale.

Not just the elder, but everyone spoke of him this way.

That’s right.

He must be the Cariel that Patina remembered.

But somehow.

…At this moment, it all seemed so distant.

Though they weren’t connected by blood, she had thought their bond was even deeper.

Now she wasn’t so sure.

Patina found this so painful that it felt as if her heart was being torn apart.

‘Baroness. They said he went to Cariella?’

And there was apparently a St. Cariel festival coming up soon.

The baptismal name Cariel.

The place where it all began.

Why did that child go there?

Once again, Patina couldn’t understand the reason.

Was that why?

As she pondered this, waves of self-reproach washed over her.

It made her indescribably sorrowful.

====

“The materials are confirmed. This is definitely authentic.”

Filbar examined the cracked old sword with a cloth-wrapped hand.

He was so cautious that he even held his breath when bringing his face close to the sword.

“All that remains is to head to that historic site.”

“We should go to the Cariel Plains. It’s right in front of the domain, so we can go directly.”

Baron Roia seemed to be struggling to contain his excitement, taking deep breaths repeatedly.

Just by observing them, it was clear what St. Cariel meant to these people.

The aging baron and his two sons were all sparkling with excitement, like children eager to unwrap presents.

“Is it alright for me to be here?”

That’s why.

Cariel was somewhat worried that this wasn’t his place to be.

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“What problem could there be with one more person? A skilled young knight coming to Cariella during the festival means you have special regard for St. Cariel. What could possibly be wrong with that?”

With Baron Roia also assuring him it was fine, Cariel had no choice but to stay quiet.

A four-horse carriage with room to spare even with six passengers.

Its owner was Filbar.

“It’s not like we’re exploring ruins or hunting for treasure, so what problem could there be with a few more observers? Actually, ‘excavation’ might be a better term than treasure hunting.”

The unusual being from the demon realm, who subsisted on blood, casually shared information that couldn’t be encountered ordinarily.

“During the Great Demon King’s era, the demon realm experienced no wars or conflicts—it was truly a golden age.”

“The Demon King, you say?”

Luke asked with a puzzled expression.

“That’s what makes it special and bizarre. What made him great was that he not only directly opposed the order, providence, and laws of the demon realm, but overcame them.”

“You speak as if you admire him.”

Alesia snorted.

“I can’t help it.”

Filbar readily admitted.

“Out of the 6,000 years of demon realm history, the 300 years under his rule were the only time when prosperity and peace coexisted.”

“Come to think of it, demon king invasions usually happened every few decades, or at most once a century. It’s strange that things have been quiet except for the Blue-Scaled Beast and this Golden Beast.”

“The Blue-Scaled Beast you mention probably flowed here after being driven away for challenging the Great Demon King. That’s why it came alone without an army. Perhaps the Great Demon King allowed it to happen to instill some tension in the middle realm.”

“Tension?”

“He used to say that prolonged peace inevitably leads to complacency and corruption.”

Also.

“He said that power inevitably corrupts, immortality inevitably corrupts, and those who dream of eternity are the breeding grounds of corruption.”

“…That sounds like criticism of the church.”

“It’s criticism of most things. Even we are an immortal race, but we have many restrictions and our way of thinking differs greatly from mortals.”

If the demon realm had maintained its old way of thinking.

“We wouldn’t even be having this intellectual conversation. Much less sitting face to face.”

“So, that’s thanks to the Great Demon King? Then what about the Golden Beast?”

“That one’s a bastard.”

Filbar cursed outright.

“Above all, because of the Law of Reason that bastard established, the entire period under its rule was so uncomfortable that I want to curse just thinking about it.”

“The Law of Reason.”

Alesia murmured softly.

“Do you know about it? What about you, boy? Ruel?”

“I briefly read in a book that each Demon King establishes their own governing principle or reason.”

“That’s not common knowledge, so you must have received higher education. Thanks for appropriately summarizing what could have been a difficult explanation! The Law of Reason established by the Golden Beast after becoming master of the demon realm was the Golden Rule. It was a terrible law of extreme balance—radical reciprocity where even the slightest deviation from reason would result in immediate trial. It was nothing short of atrocity in the name of absolute balance!”

Thus.

One who becomes a Demon King can structure the laws of the demon realm with their own Law of Reason.

Don’t like it? Dissatisfied?

Then overthrow the Demon King and become one yourself.

“In contrast, the Great Demon King established something unheard of called the Law of Hope, literally turning the demon realm—which had been obsessed with destruction, the law of the jungle, and survival of the fittest—into a flower garden.”

And the Great Demon King made the demon realm accept it all.

“If his power had been weaker, he would have been deposed long ago or swept away by waves of rebellion. The Golden Beast was no exception in that regard.”

To this, Luke asked:

“Are you saying they were that powerful?”

“The Golden Beast was somewhat different, but the Great Demon King was truly overwhelming. He wasn’t called the Omnipotent Demon King for nothing. Either omnipotence or omniscience alone would have been legendary, but he possessed both. In the 6,000-year history of the demon realm, there have been only three Great Demon Kings, and he was probably the greatest among them. Think about what it means to rule through power alone without resorting to slaughter.”

“Yes, that’s a sufficient answer. Though a bit long-winded.”

Watching Alesia nod in understanding, Cariel thought:

The Demon King of Wisdom.

Even they freely criticized the Golden Beast, but their respect for the Great Demon King seemed completely uninhibited.

“……”

Cariel glanced up at the empty air.

And.

The fact that even the Demon King of Wisdom who succeeded the Great Demon King considered himself merely an extension of the Great Demon King’s will showed just how formidable that being must have been.

“Are we still in the city… Ah, hot! What was I thinking!”

Filbar reflexively tried to stick his head out the carriage window but quickly pulled back.

Just brief exposure to sunlight caused steam to rise from his skin.

He clearly wasn’t in a position to walk around freely in broad daylight.

“Time passes both quickly and slowly. Anyway, do you have more questions? Or would anyone like to help satisfy some of my curiosity?”

In this way, they continued sharing casual conversation and knowledge.

Before long, they arrived at the Cariel Plains outside the city.

“Alright, let’s get out! Ah! Boys! Open the parasols! Be careful not to let sunlight touch my skin! No, wait! Open the parasols AND set up the large canopy! Just to be safe!”

At Filbar’s command, two pale-skinned boys unfurled a large canopy from somewhere.

They seem fine though.

Perhaps they’re not the same species?

The outside of the canopy was white.

The inside was blue cloth that effectively blocked the sunlight like a ceiling.

“Now, let’s begin! Boys, bring out the reagent set… No, bring everything we prepared. Let’s set up the site over there and start with exploration…”

Watching this scene intently, Alesia casually asked:

“Given your track record, I’m not doubting you, but can you really revive traces of the past so easily?”

“It’s not easy. That’s why we need the sword supposedly used by St. Cariel, the place where he died, and the time of his death. All these elements need to align perfectly. There are other details to fine-tune, but according to the preliminary investigators, this place has good conditions.”

“Conditions? What kind of conditions?”

When Baron Roia reacted, Filbar turned his head toward him while remaining crouched.

“The balance of yin and yang energy is precise here. To put it simply for the living, think of it as an area that’s good for habitation.”

“What does that have to do with our current task?”

“Everything! Do you know that the land you live on has guardians? Have you never heard of earth-bound spirits, vengeful spirits, evil spirits, benevolent spirits, and such?”

“…Aren’t those just stories from fairy tales? Ghosts, specters, and evil spirits only appear in specific areas, not in ordinary places…”

“That’s where you’re mistaken. Even ordinary places can change depending on who is buried or dies there. Ah, you should also consider elemental spirits. Though those summoned by elves are called from the spirit realm, so they’re different.”

From that perspective, this place is good.

“It’s being protected, which is clearly perceptible even to us who are sensitive to death energy and yin energy. That’s probably why there are few incidents in this area.”

“……”

“Is it because the Church of Irenis is relatively tolerant of idols? You’re not showing much resistance.”

Even with that explanation.

It might not be very relatable.

However.

“Then, does that mean St. Cariel still remains on this land, protecting us?”

“If you want to take it that way. Whether that’s entirely good or not, I’m not sure.”

“…?”

Filbar’s words were enigmatic in many ways.

More perplexing than difficult.

“No, his words have merit.”

Rudhi, the eldest son of the Baroness family, suddenly offered his opinion.

“While it would be an honor if he were protecting Baroness as a patron saint…”

If he were forcibly bound to this earth.

Unable to fully reach heaven.

“Wouldn’t that be tragic in a sense?”

To this, Roia calmly countered:

“Rudhi. That’s not for you to judge. That matter is solely for the Lord in heaven and St. Cariel himself to decide.”

“Y-You’re right. That’s correct. I was just…”

“I understand. I’m not scolding you, so don’t worry about it.”

Luke, who had subtly moved closer to Cariel and Alesia, watched this exchange and smiled slightly.

“The parent-child relationship seems simple yet quite complex, doesn’t it?”

“You don’t seem to have such concerns.”

At Alesia’s observation, Luke shrugged.

“Being insensitive to such matters is just my nature.”

“Is that something to be proud of?”

Alesia frowned in disapproval.

“……”

And.

Watching this scene, Cariel was seized by a strange sentiment.

It was difficult to put into words.

Hard to express verbally.

His chest just felt somewhat heavy.

“Is this really the right place?”

At that moment, Filbar abruptly stood up from the ground and voiced his doubt loudly.

“What’s wrong? Has a problem arisen?”

“A problem? Yes, indeed.”

Filbar stated frankly.

“This isn’t the place.”

“What?”

“Let me say it again. This isn’t the place. The location where St. Cariel confronted the barbarian army is not here.”

Baron Roia immediately turned serious.

“That can’t be. My ancestor clearly said it was in this area.”

“The information must have been distorted. It happens often. What’s certain is that it’s not here.”

“This… can’t be.”

He seemed quite shocked by this conclusion.

“Can we find it?”

When Rudhi asked anxiously, Filbar pretended to think, holding his chin.

“It will take some time, but let’s try. However, if we can’t pinpoint the location, we might miss the festival day. That would be troublesome. If even the festival date is wrong… it will be very problematic.”

“That… we can only hope it’s not the case. We’ve simply passed down what was handed to us.”

Rudhi, though appearing disappointed, calmly reassessed the situation.

“Huh? So what? Did we come here for nothing?”

When Luke grumbled in frustration, Alesia discreetly pinched his thigh.

“Ouch!”

“Think before you speak.”

“……”

Cariel looked up at the sky briefly before turning to Luke.

“If it’s not too presumptuous, may I touch St. Cariel’s relic?”

“Hm? Why? Suddenly curious? Afraid it might be some powerful ancient artifact?”

Alesia pinched his thigh again.

“Ah, damn it! Take it easy!”

“Think before you speak. Don’t just blurt out whatever comes to mind.”

“But I didn’t say anything strange!”

Luke was genuinely indignant.

“What’s the big deal about touching it? Just be mindful that the sword is not in good condition.”

With Baron Roia’s permission, Cariel gave a slight bow and headed toward where Filbar was.

So far, they had spread cloth on the ground and drawn a magic circle with reagents.

On another pure white cloth pouch lay a straight sword that looked too fragile to use, despite supposedly being preserved through magical treatment by the church. It lay there with an inexplicable forlornness.

Unlike the cross-shaped imperial swords of this era, it was a straight sword with a narrow guard.

Cariel carefully knelt on one knee and reached out toward it.

At that moment.

[Who are you, mister?]

Something inexplicable.

Flowed in without warning.